- on-property savannas with African animals
- fabulous architecture and artifacts
Other highlights, as expected at a Disney World Luxury resort:
- large pool, wading pool, playground
- fine dining (in this case, African cuisine)
- Simba's Clubhouse kids' club for ages 4 to 12
- spa and fitness center; concierge floors and other special services; villas
Make sure your balcony looks out on one of the savannas: 30 acres of land where 100 animals roam. Also, visit the Arusha Rock viewing area, where signs -- and often a human guide-- help you identify animals and birds. At dusk, head to the Sunset Viewing room and balcony where you can ask a wildlife guide about the animals.
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Architecture and Stunning Interior
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge was designed by architect Peter Dominick, known for the Fort Wilderness Lodge; in both resorts, the lobby vaults six stories up to the ceiling. Animal Kingdom Lodge has a massive mud fireplace, huge carved wood pillars, and giant showcase window facing the savanna. In the lobby are fascinating artifacts. (See photos.)
Special for Kids:
- Disney World's largest pool, Uzima Springs, with waterslide
- kiddie pool and playground
- scheduled activities for kids such as brass rubbings
- Simba's Clubhouse kids' club for ages 4 to 12
- storytelling at night at outside or inside firepit or the outdoor Arusha firepit.
Guests are sure to find interesting daily activities, such as: wildlife expert available at Arusha Rock, or night-time animal viewing with Night Vision glasses.
For visitors with spare cash, Concierge rooms are available with private lounge and other amenities, and special experiences such as Sunrise Safari Breakfast.
Other temptations for your money are the Zawadi Marketplace, a store filled with beautiful crafts, ceramics, and clothes, and the spa treatments at the Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center.
Restaurants include fine dining at Jiko, impressive buffet at Boma: Flavors of Africa, and casual fare at The Mara (including a few interesting African options.)
Room options include suites; also, on two floors in the Lodge are Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House. (And nearby are Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.)
As with All Disney World Resorts, at Animal Kingdom Lodge You Get:
- free airport shuttle Disney's Magical Express
- the excellent Disney bus system
- Extra Magic Hour - early or late hours at one theme park each day
- assured entrance to the theme parks on crowded days
(See more perks of staying at a Disney Resort.)
Keep in Mind about Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge:
• This resort is the farthest from Magic Kingdom: bus ride takes 20 minutes. Families with small kids might prefer to stay near Magic Kingdom. The only nearby theme park, for this resort, is Animal Kingdom.
• Guests often comment that rooms are fine but not outstanding. Best to focus on the the stunning lobby and the great views outside, or if you want luxury rooms, opt for higher room categories. (Concierge level rooms are the same as "deluxe" rooms, with some extra amenities.) Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas are another lodging option: "Jambo House" are on the 5th and 6th floors of the Lodge, and Kidani Village Villas, with its own pool and kids' water playground.
Find out more about Animal Kingdom Lodge:
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: photos
- Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Disney World site
- AllEarsNet - excellent unofficial site; many details about Animal Kingdom Lodge, Q&A; photos
- check prices
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.